What are fecal coliform bacteria?

Fecal coliform bacteria are microorganisms associated with the
intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals. While generally not dangerous,
these bacteria are used for routine water quality monitoring since they
indicate the presence of pollution that may contain illness-producing
bacteria and viruses.

How long has this pollution been a problem?

Bacteria pollution was first documented in the St. Johns River in the
1950s. By eliminating direct sewage discharges and hundreds of small,
inefficient sewage package plants, the City dramatically lowered
bacteria levels in the river’s main stem. Because of the unique nature
of the river and Jacksonville’s high population density, many other
sources of bacteria remain.

What agencies are responsible for solving this problem?

State and local government agencies are working together to protect
public health and the environment.

Duval County Health Department (DCHD) aims to prevent or reduce potential health risks in daily
surroundings. The health department is responsible for permitting
septic tanks and posting health advisories in public bathing areas.
Since there are no certified public bathing areas in the St. Johns
River, it is not currently sampled for bacteria for human health
purposes.

TheCity of Jacksonville monitors water quality in Duval County
and provides data to state, regional and local agencies charged with
permitting activities that may impact surface water quality.

The Department of Environmental Protection implements a
wide range of programs to protect and restore Florida's surface
waters, particularly identifying water quality problems and
establishing clean-up objectives, is the Total Maximum Daily Load,
or TMDL, program.